Eromanga Megafauna Dig
Eulo, Queensland, Australia
2024 Dates | August 2-8 | August 9-15
Excavate Giant Australian Marsupials in the Outback
About Eulo's Megafauna
Deep in the outback of Queensland, you’ll find a paleontology dig experience like no other. In the remote southwest town of Eulo, some ten species of megafauna have been found. And when they say “mega” they actually mean giant! Picture giant kangaroos and wombats, huge birds, snakes and lizards. These ‘giants’ were at least 30% larger than their modern day cousins. Australian megafauna evolved after dinosaurs became extinct about 66 million years ago. They lived for around 11 million years and died out in a mass extinction about 46,000 years ago. Eulo’s most common paleontological find is the largest known marsupial to have ever lived, called the Diprotodon optatum. Meaning ‘two forward teeth,’ this giant marsupial resembled a bear. It’s and its closest modern day relatives include the wombat and koala. Other finds Varanus priscus which is an extinct giant goanna or monitor lizard. Finally, an intimidating genus of giant, short-faced kangaroo called Procoptodon goliah. It is the largest known kangaroo ever to have existed and it stood about two meters high and a weighed about 200-240kg.
How you will make an impact
When diggers become part of a megafauna dig at the Eromanga Natural History Museum, their involvement can have far-reaching and meaningful impacts in various aspects. One of the most significant contributions they make is in the realm of scientific discovery. Megafauna digs often unearth fossils and remains of ancient animals that offer valuable insights into Earth's history and the evolution of different species. In this context, diggers play a vital role in carefully excavating and preserving these fossils, ensuring that they can be studied in detail by scientists and researchers. By participating in the dig, diggers open up the possibilities for new discoveries, enhancing our understanding of prehistoric ecosystems, and contributing to the broader scientific knowledge base. Additionally, the work of diggers during the megafauna dig holds immense value in terms of preservation and conservation efforts. Excavating these ancient fossils requires meticulous attention to detail and a steadfast focus on preserving their integrity. By working closely with paleontologists and museum professionals, diggers contribute to the careful documentation and protection of these significant finds. Through their efforts, diggers help ensure that the fossils remain intact and accessible for future study, enabling scientists to unlock further insights into the Earth's past.
Australia is a land of superlatives. Vast stretches of vibrant red outback, deadly venomous snakes, stunningly rich coral reefs and gigantic ancient animals! The Eromanga Natural History Museum Megagauna Dig is your chance to help unearth the bones of some of these gigantic extinct creatures over the course of five days.
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Paleontology Work | Meet the Scientist | Trip Cost
Paleontology Work on the Eromanga Megafauna Dig in Eulo
From the rustic accommodations, each day you’ll be transported 20 minutes by car to the dig site.
There, all excavation tools will be provided. Every dig site is different and as such careful consideration is given by the dig supervisor to ensure the right tools are used to ensure that the bones are removed undamaged and safely.
There will be five full days digging from just after breakfast until afternoon. This gives all participants a chance to excavate finds, jacket them up for collection and then transport them to be brought to the fossil prep lab.
Accommodations are provided onsite at the rustic Bundoona Shearer’s Quarters. These accommodations are akin to camping, but you will be within a dormitory-like setting. The Quarters has eight rooms with twin beds, linens and towels.
There is a kitchen and dining area. Also, a trailer with bathrooms, showers and toilets. There is also a washing machine and clothesline.
All meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea are provided for all participants, as well as drinks, and snacks.
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Notes:
As it is during winter time in Australia it will be cooler to cold weather, especially at night.
The work associated with working on an excavation can involve certain risks. Excavation work may involve difficult conditions, uneven terrain, unanticipated natural hazards, use of equipment, and/or strenuous manual labor. A general level of fitness is necessary for excavations, such as walking short and long distances, walking up and down steps and inclines, kneeling, lifting buckets, and sitting on the ground. Most if not all activities will occur outdoors, therefore conservation activities may be curtailed in response to weather.
What to Bring for the Dig
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Toiletries
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Shower shoes
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Comfortable closed in shoes for walking and digging
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Clothes suitable for warm and cool weather
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Alarm clock
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Ear plugs if you are a light sleeper
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Torch or head lamp for nighttime
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Refillable drink bottle
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Hydrolyte tablets or a similar electrolyte product to use for heat and dehydration that can occur when working in the warmer weather
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Backpack to take down to the dig site that contains: broad rim hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, any medication you may have, a camera, sunglasses, lip balm and fly veil
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(Optional) Work gloves to use while digging eg: gardening gloves
An interview with Robyn Mackenzie, Field Palaeontologist
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What makes this site significant?
The deposits of megafauna from Eulo represent some of the most concentrated megafauna bone deposits found in open sites in Australia. By collecting associated skeletons of these megafauna we can build up a picture of what their prehistoric biology might have been, looking at differences in individuals, sexes and size. -
What has been most surprising about your discoveries here?
The discovery of microfauna at Eulo associated with the megafauna deposits gives the opportunity to determine what the microclimate and palaeoecology of the area was during the time of the megafauna. In particular, the rich microfossil deposits discovered show that there is a unique arid fauna associated with clear and mud spring habitats. -
What are your current research objectives?
The findings from this site play crucial roles in the advancement of Australian paeleontologial study. In particular the largest marsupial, Diprotodon, is not well known for its biology. Therefore, discovering large numbers of this species is important to determine the ecology of Australia's top Pleistocene herbivore. With enough skeletons collected and prepared we will be able delve into these key palaeoecological questions. -
What was the most important or rewarding find from this site?
The concentrations of microfauna discovered in these deposits is close to that discovered in cave sites throughout Australia. This is unique to open sites across Australia. Therefore, the Eulo deposits not only preserve highly abundant megafauna, they also preserve some of the largest concentrations of microfossils for open sites anywhere in Australia..
Inclusions + Exclusions
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Includes:
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Accommodation in shared rooms in the rustic Bundoona Shearer’s Quarters
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All meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea are provided for all participants, as well as drinks, and snacks.
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Water
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Tax and services charge
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Donation to the Researchers
Excludes:
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Any items of personal nature such as excess baggage, laundry, telephone calls
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Personal, travel and health insurance
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Optional tours
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International flight ticket
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Visa fees and departure tax (if applicable)
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Alcoholic beverages